SHADOWS IN BRONZE

Never was ancient Rome so saucy as it is in this mystery/romance, which takes detective Falco from the palaces of Rome to the sun-drenched Italian countryside. The setting would be nearly idyllic were it not for the scandalous traitors sunning themselves and a murderous madman on the loose—not to mention the problems Falco is having with his love life. This BBC dramatization is full of stormy performances. The best moments feature Anton Lesser's alternatingly dopey and cunning Falco as he pleads for forgiveness—or escape—from ladylove Helena Justina, portrayed by Anna Madeley. While one might wonder about the similarity between ancient Roman culture and that of modern-day Britain, sound effects and appropriate music help one maintain suspension of disbelief throughout. F.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2008]